Self-Closing Gates Provide Safety & Ease of Use

As the name suggests, a self-closing gate is a gate that closes automatically after the user passes through. In most cases, the self-closing action is achieved via a spring or springs, which extend as the gate is opened and retract to pull the gate closed. More advanced models may utilize electronic motors to close the gate after use.   Self-closing gates are frequently found in manufacturing plants and other industrial facilities. Rather than being used as a “traditional” gate would be—that is, to provide access to a fenced-in area—self-closing gates in these situations are generally used as safety barriers to warn personnel of potential hazards. Common installations include:

• At the base and top of stairways and ladders to draw attention to falling dangers
• Along the borders of high traffic areas where forklifts or other mobile equipment may be traveling through the walking path
• Near heavy machinery, electrical systems, or other potentially dangerous stationary equipment

Because of attendant safety requirements, most industrial self-closing gates are designed to meet OSHA standards for top- and mid-rail height. They are generally constructed of heavy-duty materials, and are often painted “safety yellow” or other high-visibility colors. Most manufacturers offer a variety of standard gate sizes that will fit most installations; some also offer custom self-closing gates to fit specific openings that do not conform to “standard” sizes. Many self-closing gates are designed to swing in both directions for ease of use. This allows users to open a gate simply by pushing it from whichever side he or she is on, a boon when the user has his or her hands full.

Self-Closing Gate Suppliers

• Dakota Safety, a leading provider of fall protection systems and safety products, offers self-closing gates for industrial applications. Their OSHA-compliant gates use stainless steel torsion springs for their closing action and are built with uniquely strong single-pull, double-latching mechanisms for added safety.

 Photo courtesy of Dakota Safety.